How to Get a Work Permit

The American dream is built on the opportunity to work. The late Senator Robert F. Kennedy said, “Our attitude towards immigration reflects our faith in the American ideal. We have always believed it possible for men and women who start at the bottom to rise as far as the talent and energy allow. Neither race nor place of birth should affect their chances.”

Why You Need a Work Permit

Any individual that is not a citizen or permanent resident of the United States will need a work permit to prove eligibly to work in the U.S. That’s because employees are required to prove that they are authorized to work in the U.S., and employers are required to verify the identity and eligibility to work for all new employees.

Eligibility for a Work Permit

The following categories of foreign workers are eligible to apply for a work permit: asylees and asylum seekers, refugees, students seeking particular types of employment, foreign nationals in the U.S. pursuing the final stage of permanent residence, nationals of certain countries given Temporary Protected Status (TPS) due to conditions in their home countries, fiances and spouses of U.S. citizens, dependents of foreign government officials, J-2 spouses or minor children of exchange visitors, deferred status beneficiaries (including DACA), and other workers depending on circumstances. The complete list of eligibility categories can be viewed below: